Broadcast transcript:
A recent report from the American Psychological Association found that Gen Z is one of the generations most likely to report feelings of fatigue, anxiety and depression — something Waco residents are seeing in their own children.
25News’ Mark Monroy caught up with Jill Bowman at Cameron Park.
She talks about the hardships her children, aged 21 and 22, face.
“Kids today are busier than when I was a kid. They don’t seem to have as much time to rest as they used to,” Bowman said.
“Social media seems to be helping them fill their free time.”
Bowman said her children are more easily distracted than when she was growing up, and the world was a much calmer place then.
“The world seems to be a much more dangerous place now and children are less free to move about, perhaps because it’s no longer safe for them,” she said.
There are ways to help children and others who suffer from anxiety and depression.
Hayden Swearingin is a youth counselor who has worked with children for many years.
He says it’s important to talk to your kids and be open about what you’ve noticed, and being a mentor to them may help them get through this.
“There’s a desperate need for guidance from older generations to invest in the younger generations,” Swearingen said.
If that doesn’t work, there are other options.
“If you have insurance, I would encourage you to do that because a counselor can help you,” Swearingen said.
